Ric Flair: WWE Legend Leads Daughter Charlotte Into The Family Business

Ric Flair is one of the biggest stars in WWE history, and now his daughter Charlotte is hoping to follow in her dad’s footsteps.

The 28-year-old is working her way up the wrestling ranks, trying to make a name in the WWE’s developmental territory, NXT Wrestling. Ric Flair’s daughter — whose real name is Ashley Fliehr but wrestles as Charlotte — has already staked a claim within the league.

She made her television debut last summer, and later in 2013 won some high-profile matches including a tag-team victory on the September 4 episode of NXT.

As she won more matches, Charlotte started to adopt a larger persona within the league. In February she took on NXT Women’s Champion Paige and defeated challenger Emma in a match in which she faked an injury to gain an advantage. Just last week Charlotte defeated Alexa Bliss in the semifinals of the NXT Women’s Championship Tournament.

Aside from having a strong lineage from her father Ric Flair, Charlotte also has a background as a standout athlete. She was captain of the volleyball team at Providence High School, leading the team to two NCHSAA 4 A state championships during her tenure. Charlotte is also a certified personal trainer.

Those who watch Charlotte in the ring might find notes of Ric Flair in her style. She adopts her finishing move — a figure-four headlock — from a move her father made famous in the then-WWF.

The dynamic between Ric Flair and his daughter is strong, despite an otherwise shaky family situation. Ric Flair has been divorced several times, but maintains a close relationship with Charlotte and gives whatever help he can as she ramps up her wrestling career.

“I tell everyone in the world that I have always been the best father I could be and that I was the worst husband,” Flair said in an interview with the Tampa Tribune earlier this year.

While being the daughter of Ric Flair has undoubtedly opened doors for Charlotte, it also comes with its drawback, Ric explains.

“There will be added pressure on her,” he said, “because she is my daughter.”

Charlotte already looks the part of a WWE superstar, showing off her six-pack abs and flowing blonde hair in photo shoots for WWE.